Cloud Terrace Arch

Juyong Guan, Great Wall, NW of Beijing

Juyong Guan, a recently-opened section of the Great Wall, is less-visited (2006) than Badaling. One of the outstanding features of Juyong Guan is this rare Yuan dynasty archway. The outside of the arch is decorated with Hindu motifs that include (top) Garuda, nagas, and foliate swirls that issue from the mouths of makaras; and (side) riders on fierce creatures who in turn are standing on elephants. The inside of the arch (following pages) depicts Tibetan-style guardians and other Buddhist figures.

Compare: the Vajrasana Stupa at Wu Ta Si , Beijing.